These special jigsaws help improve the care of Dementia patients. Shop-bought jigsaws are not suitable for hospital use. The specially crafted jigsaws are made from a wipe clean material which complies with the hospital’s infection control measures and will not break, snap or bend. They have been made in six sizes, varying in difficulty from 6 to 24 pieces and are all based around the theme of ‘memories from days gone by.’

They are conversation starters. The pictures on the front of them depict a time that the patients can remember and then the activity becomes about remembering and discussing that time, not just about completing a jigsaw.

A further development being explored is the potential to create bespoke jigsaws for individuals based on personal photographs, such as family groups. Again, the real value of these is that they can unlock memories and start conversations that promote mental wellbeing.